Late February into early March historically marks the beginning of the trout stocking for the DEEP's Inland Fisheries Division. This year, highly variable winter conditions have made the task even more challenging.

"Stocking nearly four hundred thousand fish prior to Opening Day is a monumental task in the best weather," said Pete Aarrestad, director of DEEP's Inland Fisheries Division. "Despite challenges we faced, we still plan to stock all water bodies that have been scheduled by Opening Day."

More than 200 truckloads of trout are scheduled to be released throughout the state in preparation for Opening Day. These trout will be released into 102 lakes and ponds and 200 rivers and streams.

Additionally, downstream portions of six of the designated Sea-run Trout Streams (Eightmile River, Farm River, Hammonasset River, Latimer Brook, Saugatuck River, and Whitford Brook) are open year-round with a two trout per day creel limit and a fifteen-inch minimum length.

Anglers should check the DEEP's Angler's Guide for detailed information on specific locations and angling regulations. Currently, electronic versions of the 2012 Guide (there have been no changes to the regulations listed in the 2012 Angler's Guide) can be found on the DEEP website at www.ct.gov/deep/anglersguide.

Online and printed versions of the 2013 Angler's Guide will become available in early April. The print versions available at more than 350 locations statewide, including town halls, bait & tackle shops and other vendors selling outdoor equipment, DEEP facilities, and commercial marinas and campgrounds.

Additionally, you can find DEEP Fisheries and Wildlife information directly on Facebook. This page features a variety of information on fishing, hunting, and wildlife watching in Connecticut. The address is www.facebook.com/CTFishandWildlife. This spring, anglers will find updates on DEEP's trout stockings on both the website and on the Fisheries and Wildlife Facebook page.

Anglers can purchase their 2013 fishing licenses directly online, or at one of the many participating town halls, tackle retailers and DEEP offices. For a complete list of vendors, visit the DEEP website (www.ct.gov/deep/fishing) or call DEEP Licensing and Revenue (860-424-3105).

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The weather is keeping many anglers off the water. But those hearty anglers who did venture out had stories to bring home.

Last week Joe Horvath sailed on the Brooklyn based party boat "Captain Dave." From Brooklyn the party boat with 14 passengers sailed off the New Jersey shore in search of some good bottom fishing. Instead, it was the bottom that did the fishing. Due to the rough waters the party boat apparently lost two anchors before the skipper and his customers decided by a split vote to call it a day. No fish were caught.

A little closer to home some anglers fished the Mianus River Trout Management Area (TMA) with success. Tyler Steward and Phil Schacter fished the TMA using Woolly Buggers. Tyler caught two rainbow trout and Phil caught one. The fished measured around 12 inches and were released unharmed.

Also fishing the TMA were Matt Pugni and Joey Marzullo. They each caught and released several rainbow trout. The fish were taken using barbless Rooster Tails.

Danny Hernandez caught a 6-pound brown trout while fishing at the Kensico Reservoir. The fish was taken using a live shiner.